What's On Tap: Late Season IPAs
This time of year we start seeing fewer and fewer IPAs coming out. But, there are still quite a few interesting ones showing up around town. If you're someone who loves to bitch about how out of control American brewers are getting with their IPAs, just move on to another article.
Lagunitas Hop Stoopid - With 100+ IBUs of pure citrus hops, this one is definitely for us hopheads. It is considered an Imperial IPA at 8.2% alcohol, but the sugary sweetness from the malt is easily overtaken by the bitter hops. This brewery from northern California has fairly wide distribution for their standard line of beers, but you'll have to keep your eyes open for this one. Uber had this on draft this past weekend.
Port Brewing Hop 15 and Port Brewing High Tide IPA - These 2 fine IPAs hit the Seattle market last week for the first time. Hop 15 is a big Imperial IPA at 10.5% alcohol. They use 15 different types of hops to make this a hop bomb to match the best of them. The High Tide IPA is their version of a fresh hop IPA and is made with 180 lbs of fresh wet hops from Yakima Valley. The modest alcohol content lets the hops do all the work. Available in 22oz bottels.
Victory Hop Wallop - This is the older, bigger brother of Victory Hop Devil. Lots of floral and citrus hops. More alcohol and heavier bodied than Hop Devil. One of our favorites. Available in 12oz bottles.
Full Sail Wreck the Halls - This winter seasonal IPA from Full Sail in Oregon is beautiful in the glass and gives off a whiff of pure citrus hops. After a quick dose of malt, the focus shifts back towards the hops and then finishes with a touch of alcohol burn to warm you up. Wreck the Halls is a little fuller than your typical summer IPA, making it more appropriate for the colder months. Available in 22oz bottles.
Great Divide Fresh Hop Pale Ale - Yet another outstanding fresh hop IPA available in Seattle. Some may get tired of these, but we sure as hell don't. A very light, refreshing IPA at 6.1% alcohol. The focus is on the grassy hops used by this Colorado brewery. Weighing in at 55 IBUs, the bitterness is actually kept in check fairly well while still accomplishing great hop taste. Available in 22oz bottles.
Big Time Meerkat IPA - This isn't exactly new, but they don't always have this on tap. We had this last week at the brewpub and loved it. Flavored with Amarillo and Chinook hops, it gives off a nice spicy/piney aroma and a hint of citrus in the taste. On tap at Big Time Brewing on the Ave and around town at other fine establishments.
Photo thanks to mfajardo on Flickr
